We first interviewed Ben McKeown, The Mustangs' Bass player in November 2004. Now, 18 months farther along, how have things turned out?

Q: Hi Ben. Split Decision is about to hit the shops and i-Tunes. How does it feel finally to be in the public domain?

A: It’s great. In the past it’s been difficult for people to get hold of our albums unless they came to a live performance. The potential audience for Split Decision is much wider. I’m particularly pleased that we’ll have a presence on iTunes, as it means potential customers will be able to preview our material before buying.

Q: Tell us your thoughts on the album.

A: I’m pleased with it. It comes much closer than previous albums to reflecting our live sound. It’s also quite diverse, and in some way I feel represents the four of us much better than previous efforts. It’s as though we’ve found the confidence to do what we do rather than try to fit the traditional "blues" mould. The production is excellent, too.

Q: The band's playing on the album is very assured and confident. Do you think it's the best yet for you all as players?

A: Yes. Since recording the last album we’ve played almost a hundred gigs together. You can’t buy that kind of experience. It represents a lot of mileage in terms of playing and getting to know each other better as musicians. We also have the added confidence that comes from playing to tens of thousands of appreciative people. We always want to improve, and I think that dynamism shows through. The next album will be even better.

Q: Can you tell us about the cover concept? It's very striking - it certainly stands out amongst other blues albums.

A: Most blues releases tend to have an image on the cover that relates to the music in a very literal way – pictures of guitars, porches, the Delta... that sort of thing. We all agreed that we wanted to move away from that and have something more abstract, with a strong design element. Fay Singer did a great job in coming up with a powerful design that goes beyond any particular genre. Anyone looking at the final product is likely to think "great cover!" without having any preconceived notions about the music on the CD. Which is exactly what we were after.

Q: What about your own contribution. How has it differed 18 months on from Rocking Horse?

A: Rocking Horse came when I was still very new to playing with a band. It was my first experience of a number of things: writing basslines, helping with song arrangements, recording, and of course, songwriting. Since then I’ve played a lot of gigs, written more songs, and become a much better bass player and guitarist.

Q: How has your songwriting developed?

A: I almost had to be forced to write material for Rocking Horse – in some way I felt I needed permission even to have a go. I’m now more confident, and I understand the process better. You don’t have to be some sort of genius waiting for divine inspiration. Some of the greatest songs ever written were done to a deadline, and there are plenty of people out there writing terrible songs under the delusion that they are the next Dylan or McCartney. If you spent your whole time trying to write "Yesterday" you’d be paralysed with fear. If you think "well... this isn’t going to set the world alight, but it’s fun to play, has a nice hook, and I can see it working live", chances are you’ll have something worth taking to the band.

Q: Can you tell us when the next album is scheduled, and how do you see them band moving on musically for it?

A: I expect we'll be looking to start on a new album within a year. In fact, I’m certain there are song ideas already on the drawing board. It seems with each release that our sound and identity becomes stronger, and our musical and songwriting ability grows. I expect to see that carried forward to the next album.

Q: The band is doing many more festivals this year. Do you approach these shows differently to regular pub and venue shows?

A: We look forward to them hugely, especially if they’re outside. A festival usually means a bigger stage, a bigger crowd, and better sound – plus a good day out. But we approach all gigs with a certain level of professionalism. It’s not as if we go out aiming to give more to one audience than another, although we’re definitely lifted by the big occasion.

Q: Do you have a preference for the type of gigs you have done?

A: As above, outdoor festivals are always great. And of course we all love anything with a big crowd. I also enjoy gigs where there’s pressure on us to deliver. It’s a very exciting position to be in.

Q: With regards to playing live, songwriting or recording, which do you find more fulfilling?

A: That’s a difficult question, as they are three very different things. Playing live is more of an immediate fix than songwriting or recording. Having said that, writing something that you’re pleased with is very satisfying. And the beauty of recording something to the best of your ability is that you have a permanent record of it. All three are very fulfilling, and the great pleasure of playing in a band is that you have the chance to do them all.

Q: With the new album and many large festival shows in the Summer, has 2006 so far panned out as you wanted it to?

A: Yes. I think we’re positioned exactly where we wanted to be when we set our goals this time last year. Now we’re out gigging Split Decision to bigger audiences, refreshing the set, and devoting more resources to marketing, PR, and the website, things can only get better.

Q: What does the band have in store for 2007. Do you have any personal aims within the band you want to see fulfilled?

A: I’d like us to become a "name" on the UK blues circuit and become a fixture at festivals. I’d like to play to bigger crowds, and produce a really great album next year. From a personal point of view I need to work on my backing vocals and learn to drive!

Thanks Ben.